Elderly woman scammed by man claiming to be FBI agent

October 15, 2010 – 10:03 am

Financial scams against the elderly are on the rise, and the latest involves advising elderly people to empty their bank accounts as a precaution.

A man who called himself Clark Mahoney and who claimed to be an FBI agent called an elderly Chicago woman. He explained that she and her husband, who are both in their 80s, had been scammed. He recommended that they empty their bank accounts to prevent any money being taken.

The man always used the word “recommended” and assured the woman she had a choice. He told her he had intercepted a sweepstakes check for $125,000 that bore her name. He added that the check had formerly been in the hands of criminals.

From March to August, the so-called agent called the woman several times, speaking with authority and always very polite. He told her he couldn’t promise anything, but said there was a chance she could receive the money, as long as the criminals didn’t steal her identity first. He urged the woman to keep their conversations confidential because of the “nature of the investigation.”

Each time he called, he would remind her that she needed to protect the couple’s retirement earnings. She trusted the man, and began wiring him money. She eventually sent him a total of $250,000.

Now the woman, who doesn’t want to be identified, is embarrassed and ashamed that she was taken in by the scam.

Con artists find it easy to reach older people who answer their door and phone. Seniors are more apt to believe a mailing that falsely claims they have won a sweepstakes or that they must provide personal information to keep their insurance intact.

Thieves are constantly finding new ways to steal money. They appeal for charitable donations, and promise to help seniors navigate new federal laws, scaring them into believing they could lose their Medicare coverage if they do not provide sensitive financial information.

Callers also appeal to emotions by saying a grandchild is in trouble, and asking the grandparent to send money.

Older people are vulnerable to scams because they are trusting, and because they are patriotic and pay special attention to mailings that appear to be from the government.

Besides the stranger-to-stranger scams, authorities have turned their attention to financial exploitation of the elderly. It is often a family member friend or acquaintance who ingratiates himself or herself with an older person, and then misuses or withholds the money. Caregivers may help themselves to their patient’s bank account without permission.

Very often, like the woman in Chicago, the elderly feel embarrassed that they were taken in and they’re reluctant to tell anyone, including family members. But telling your family or a trusted friend is exactly what you should do.

If you have been victimized, tell a trusted friend or family member, and file a report with the police department. You should also contact any creditors involved to make them aware you’ve been victimized.

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